THE EMERGENCE OF THE WAITING GAME - A CRITICAL-EXAMINATION OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN DIAGNOSING BREAST-CANCER

Undergoing diagnostic investigations for symptoms of breast disease co nstitutes an intensely stressful experience for any woman. The widespr ead use of contemporary fine-needle techniques throughout specialist b reast clinics, whilst removing the necessity of hospitalization and ge neral anaesthesia for many women, has introduced the notion of the 'wa iting game'. The ability to ascertain definitive results within a matt er of hours has led to diversification in the structure of diagnostic breast services; however, the significance of the 'waiting game' in te rms of distress experienced by women has not been investigated. This p aper systematically reviews the research that has explored psychosocia l morbidity in this phase of the disease trajectory, and provides summ ative recommendations for further research.